2015 Non-Toxic Back To School Guide for All Ages!

It is officially that time of the year again- as we prepare to say goodbye to the long hot summer days, parents and children everywhere are getting ready for the new school year. 

Personally, I remember the excitement I felt going back-to-school shopping as a child. Choosing my new backpack, lunchbox and supplies was always the highlight of the end of the summer; for many kids its a clear expression of who they are or want to be during the new school year.  Needless to say, their input is essential, especially as they grow older. 

Here's the thing: as parents we want our children to choose the coolest character or designs that will make them feel confidant during the new school year, however the reality is that most of these supplies have some bad chemicals which could potentially affect our children's health... look around this year at major retail chains and you will notice the usual suspects of shiny cartoon, super heroes and princess characters on everything from backpacks to lunchboxes to pens and notebooks. You will also probably notice the smell of plastic lingering in the back to school aisle.  

The good news? Each year there are more and more non-toxic options available in great designs for all tastes and ages! But first: a short tutorial of what to avoid  (scroll down to go straight to our recommendation for children of all ages) 

1. Description: shiny and smelly plastic: you know what I’m talking about - the most common, and usually least expensive supplies, are made of shiny smelly plastic. 

Found in: lunchboxes, backpacks, binders, folders, pencil cases

The problem? This shiny plastic is made of pvc (vinyl). PVC is considered to be one of the most toxic plastics for children and the environment since it constantly releases a cocktail of chemicals including phthalates (endocrine disrupting chemical linked to birth defects, decreased sperm count and damaged sperm, increased risk of developing behavioral problems, premature birth and asthma) dioxins (carcinogens), PCBs (linked Long-term exposure to PCBs is associated with a panoply of ills, including cancer, endocrine disorders, and reproductive troubles. The compounds have also been linked to cognitive and behavioral problems in children) and even lead (a proven potent neurotoxin), among other harmful chemicals 

Alternatives: try to avoid plastic when possible. Fabric, canvas, stainless steel, recycled cardboard are all great alternatives. If your child's school list specifies plastic folder/ binder look for those specifically labelled ' pvc free' . Polypropylene ( #5 in the recycling triangle) ones from brands like Avery are a good option.

2. Description: hard plastic

Found in: plastic snack baggies, water bottles, food containers and lunchboxes

The problem? While many companies have phased out BPA from their products even BPA free products can contain chemicals very similar to BPA which could be accumulating inside your child's body and mimicking their hormones. This class of chemicals are known to be linked to breast cancer, obesity, among other ailments. Additionally, placing hot food in plastic containers, or heating foods in plastic containers makes the chemicals in the plastics leech into the food- never heat food in plastic containers! 

Alternative: after spending time planning out your child's healthy lunch and snacks for the week the last thing you want to be doing is exposing them to these chemicals. Choose reusable fabric snack bags or stainless steel as an alternative to plastic- especially for all things that come into contact with food.

3. Description:  fruity smelling art supplies

Found in: crayons, erasers, pencils and other art supplies are all available in fruit scents

The problem? Although kids tend to love them, these items probably contain phthalates (chemicals that allow the fragrance to 'stick' to the product).  Phthalates have been linked to birth defects, decreased sperm count and damaged sperm, increased risk of developing behavioral problems, premature birth and asthmaAlternative: Water based markers are your safest bet 

 

4. Description:  Very cheap crayons 

Found in: Many large retailers and dollar shops sell extremely inexpensive crayons- Made in China.  The ones tested and found to have asbestos were marketed with colorful characters such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers and Mickey MouseThe problem? Environmental Working Group Action Fund, recently found certain crayons  containing asbestos fibers.  Asbestos is a known carcinogen.   Experts say there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure. Even short exposures—just a few days—can cause serious lung problems. According to the EWG "There are no rules banning asbestos contamination in many consumer products (including) toys." Even though the asbestos fibers were mixed with the crayon's wax, making it harder for it to escape and your children breath it is, if you children put things in their mouth like mine do- its an unacceptable risk.

Alternative: Buy reputable name brands or look for made in usa or europe.  An even healthier option are crayons made of   beeswax and soy oil5. Description:  Antibacterial supplies mostly labelled as 'microban'

Found in: folders, binders, backpacks

The problem? Microban is a mix of chemicals meant to protect the product (not the user! from bacteria, and mold and that may contain Triclosan.  We don't really know if it contains Triclosan, since the company that produces Microban does not disclose its ingredients but this is a common antimicrobial chemical linked to skin irritation, allergy susceptibility, growth of drug-resistant bacteria or “superbugs.” dioxin contamination and even hormone disruption

Alternative:  Avoid "antibacterial” or “antimicrobial” or "microban" labels - even in items labelled as non-toxic.

Non-Toxic Munchkin Approved! Our 2015 school supply recommendations - by school age

I. Preschool

Take advantage because you can still choose these items to your liking! 

Lunch/ snacktime

Itzy Ritzy Snack Happens Reusable Snack Bag, Fresh Bloom : Say goodbye to plastic sandwich bags for good with these washable ones that are great for packing healthy snacks. Available in multiple designs and in two sizes: snack size and larger (sandwhich ) size. Graze organic sandwich/ snack bags Kids Konserve Stainless Steel Mini Food Containers, Set of 3 SoYoung 11110 Plane Insulated Lunch Box, Blue:retro cool and incredibl cute designs for boys and girls, matching their backpacks Honest Company Lunch boxes: made in collaboration with So Young these lunchboxes feature some of the Honest Company's cute diaper designs.

Backpacks

Beatrix New York Little Kid Pack - Dolce & Panna : Designed for 2 to 5 years olds, these adorable designs make you smile and are free of PVC, lead, and phthalates. SoYoung Toddler Backpack - Pink Birds (PVC-, pthalate-, and BPA-Free) This year their dinosaur print is the backpack of choice for my Kindergartener! Their designs that are the perfect combo of sweet and urban.  Moulin Roty  Backpack:   Also a fav in my house this year- we picked one up while in Paris and my little munchkin (age 2) loves his monkey backpack- even though he is carrying around his blanky and not any books this year! SugarBooger Zippee Back Packs are all BPA, Phthalate, Lead and PVC free

Art

Glob All Natural Paint Kits :  paints made from fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices. Clementine Art: From crayons to paints, this natural and non-toxic brand is sure to have all the art supplies your child needs for school.eco-kids USA: Get naturally creative with these non-toxic and natural art suppliesEarth Grown Crayons: made from natural soy wax with non-toxic mineral and organic pigments.

II. Elementary school

Make sure to include your elementary school, probably opinionated, child in picking out their supplies! Suddenly the 'right' superhero or princess or other character can make or break the back to school experience!

Lunch/snacktime

PlanetBox allows kids to personalize their lunchbox with magnets

ECOlunchbox Three-in-One Stainless Steel Food Container Set: Avoid leaching and messy plastic food containers with this BPA- and lead-free compartmentalized lunchbox.

Itzy Ritzy Snack Happens Mini Reusable Snack and Everything Bag, Under The Sea, Mini: Say goodbye to plastic sandwich bags for good with these washable ones that are great for packing healthy snacks.

PlanetBox Rover Lunchbox - Blue Carry Bag with Dinosaur Magnets A great all stainless steel bento box lunchbox.

LunchBots Bento Trio LARGE All Stainless 3 Section Food Container For Adults and Children:  with compartments that allow you to separate food. Graze organic sandwich/ snack bags

Blue Avocado - (Re)Zip Lunch Reusable Storage Bags Kiwi Solid - 2 Pack: Made of FDA-grade PEVA material (which is also PVC, BPA and Lead free) these come in small sizes (for snacks) and larger (perfect for sandwiches.

Honest Company Lunchboxes: made in collaboration with So Young these lunchboxes feature some of the Honest Company's cute diaper designs. 

Blue Water Bento Leak-Proof Splash Box with Organic Lunchbag By EcoLunchbox Company these sacs come in three designs inspired by the ocean

FLUF DOGGY Lunch Bag, 11-Inch L by 8-Inch W by 4-1/2-Inch D: designs for the whole family from little ones to older cool kids

Backpacks

SoYoung Backpacks: My Kindergartener's choice

Dabbawalla Neoprene Backpack - go fetch dog by dabbawalla:   while on the expensive side (aprox $40) their designs are gorgeous and fun and all are non-toxic

Honest Company, Kids Backpacks : Available in two colors (these backpacks are not only free of PVS, flame retardants, latex, glues, chlorine, phthalates, PBA, BPS & AZO dyes but when you purchase one Honest Co will hand deliver one backpack filled with essential products to a child entering Kindergarten in need.

Milkdot Official Top Kat Backpack/Rucksack (One Size) (Tangerine) Created by a mom who wanted healthier, safer products for her kids, this bag fit for a superhero is PVC-free, BPA-free, and tested lead-safe. 

SoYoung Toddler Backpack - Blue Dino (PVC-, pthalate-, and BPA-Free) delight both the parent and child with designs that are the perfect combo of sweet and urban.

The North Face Happy Camper Backpack Big Kids Style (Sugary Pink/High Rise Grey) are " PVC, lead and Pthalate free"

L.L.Bean Boys' L.L.Bean Original Backpack, Print Undetermined  

Art

Glob All Natural Paint Kits :  paints made from fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices.  Eco-kids USA:  allow your kids to get naturally creative with these non-toxic and natural art supplies.  Dioramas, craft projects, and homework won’t be a toxic, smelly mess with this non-toxic paste made from potato starch and almond Earth Grown Crayons that are made from natural soy wax with non-toxic mineral and organic pigments.

III. Older kids
Lunch/Backpacks/totes

School Supplies

Aida Garcia-Toledoplastic2 Comments